Multiple use container for the packaging of fluids

Abstract

Disclosed is a uniquely simple, multiple use apparatus for the packaging of fluids, such as those reference fluids used for the calibration and standardization of blood gas instrumentation, which must not be exposed to air.

I claim: 
     
       1. A multiple use container for blood gas control fluids comprising a gas impermeable collapsible tube; a blood gas control fluid within said tube; a cap adapted to fit over a neck portion of said tube; a unidirectional valve means positioned in said cap, said valve means being gas impermeable when closed; and said cap terminating in a leur tip. 
     
     
       2. The multiple use container of claim 1 wherein the neck portion of said tube is sealed with a puncturable seal said seal being impervious to air. 
     
     
       3. The multiple use container of claim 1 wherein the unidirectional valve means is a duck-billed valve. 
     
     
       4. A multiple use container comprising a gas impermeable collapsible tube; a cap adapted to fit over a neck portion of said tube; a unidirectional valve means positioned in said cap, said valve means being gas impermeable when closed; and said cap terminating in a leur tip. 
     
     
       5. A cap adapted to fit over the opening of a container to selectively seal said container, said cap having a unidirectional valve means positioned in said cap, said means being gas impermeable when closed, and said cap terminating in a leur tip. 
     
     
       6. The cap according to claim 5 wherein the unidirectional valve means is a duck-billed valve. 
     
     
       7. The multiple use container of claim 4 wherein the neck portion of said tube is sealed with a puncturable seal, said seal being impervious to air.